Wind, Solar, Thermal, Or Fuel-cell Source Patents (Class 320/101)
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Patent number: 10900260Abstract: A portable protective case for the safe transport and storage of measuring devices and other electrical equipment. The protective case is designed to protect a valuable and sensitive measuring device located inside it against theft, unauthorized use and/or potentially harmful environmental influences. The case comprises communication means for sending and receiving data via a wireless network, as well as for receiving localization data, which enable the communication unit to provide at least a rough location of the case.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: LEICA GEOSYSTEMS AGInventors: Thomas Harring, Katherine Broder, Burkhard Böckem
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Patent number: 10903780Abstract: A rechargeable battery powered generator for quiet, off-grid power production includes a housing having a front panel separated from a rear panel, a top panel separated from a bottom panel, and a left panel separated from a right panel forming an inner compartment. A plurality of solar panels is coupled to the top panel. A plurality of batteries, a generator, and an electrical system are coupled to the housing. A plurality of outlets is coupled to the housing. The electrical system converts energy from the plurality of solar panels to charge the plurality of batteries, powers the generator from the plurality of batteries, and converts power from the plurality of batteries and the generator to the plurality of outlets.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Inventor: Bill Wilson
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Patent number: 10889196Abstract: An architecture that can autonomously service a vehicle, such as an autonomous, battery powered electric car, in a manner that can be environmentally conscious, expeditious, efficient, and cost-effective. For example, the vehicle can be cleaned, repaired, maintained, or otherwise serviced, and charged by autonomous apparatuses of a point of distribution (POD) station. The autonomous apparatuses can be controlled by procedures developed by machine learning techniques. The charging can be accomplished by drawing power from an energy storage device that is charged in response to a determination that a demand for energy is below a defined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Inventors: Dirk Michels, Nathan Hightower, Alexander von Welczeck
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Patent number: 10879740Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving near-field wireless power at an electronic device. An electronic device includes a receiver with one or more receiving antenna elements formed by respective conductive lines in a meandering pattern. Each receiving antenna element is configured to receive near-field radio-frequency signals radiated from a transmitting antenna element of a near-field power transmitter. The receiving antenna elements are configured to receive the near-field radio-frequency signals radiated from the transmitting antenna element of the near-field power transmitter when the electronic device is on a surface of the near-field power transmitter, and the transmitting antenna element is formed by respective conductive lines in a meandering pattern. The transmitting antenna element is selectively activated from among a plurality of available transmitting antenna elements of the near-field transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATIONInventor: Alister Hosseini
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Patent number: 10879738Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a hand-held electronic device and a platform device is provided. The platform device is detachably connected to the hand-held electronic device. The platform device includes a power supply, a power management device, a wireless power management circuit and an antenna. The power supply is used to provide a supply power. The power management device generates at least one operation power according to the supply power. The wireless power management circuit generates a wireless power according to the at least one operation power. The antenna of the platform device performs a charging operation on at least one to-be-charged device through an electromagnetic induction according to the wireless power.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Yi-Fang Yang, Wei-Cheng Chiu, Wen-Hsin Hsiao
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Patent number: 10873197Abstract: A vehicle includes a power storage device configured to be charged with electric power supplied from an external electric power installation, and a human machine interface (HMI) device having a display. On the HMI device, a state of charge (SOC) of the power storage device is displayed distinguishably for each derivation of electric power stored in the power storage device. Specifically, on the HMI device, a SOC indicator is displayed for a user to visually recognize the SOC of the power storage device. In the SOC indicator, a solar electric power area indicative of the SOC indicating electric power derived from solar electric power and a grid electric power area indicative of the SOC indicating electric power derived from grid electric power are distinguishably displayed.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinji Ichikawa
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Patent number: 10873192Abstract: An energy storage system includes a first energy storage device having a first energy storage chemistry, a second energy storage device having a second energy storage chemistry different than the first energy storage chemistry, and a link device. The link device is configured to facilitate electrically coupling the second energy storage device to the first energy storage device, regulate a first power profile of first power provided by the first energy storage device to the second energy storage device such that the first energy storage device can selectively charge the second energy storage device, and regulate a second power profile of second power provided by the second energy storage device to the first energy storage device such that the first energy storage device can selectively draw power from the second energy storage device to increase a power capacity thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Goal Zero LLCInventors: Keyvan Vasefi, Robert Kerback, Sterling Robison, Evan Price
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Patent number: 10857892Abstract: A system includes processor. The system includes a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify, in a vehicle at a first location, a second location receiving reflected light. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to navigate the vehicle from the first location to the second location receiving the reflected light.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 10862317Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a Battery Management System (BMS) for the controlling of the charging and discharging of a plurality of battery cells (12). Each battery cell has an associated plurality of control circuits (32, 36) which monitor and control the charging of individual battery cells. These units are controlled by a central microcontroller (14) which shunts current around the battery cell if fully charged and stops discharge if a battery cell is fully discharged in order to prevent damage to the other cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: LITHIUM BALANCE A/SInventor: Ivan Loncarevic
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Patent number: 10857897Abstract: A system for energy conversion with electric vehicle (EV) charging capability includes a hybrid inverter comprising a DC/DC converter stage for receiving power from a photovoltaic array, a capacitor bank, and a DC-AC inverter coupled to the capacitor bank. The DC-AC inverter includes a battery pack connection for supplying energy to or receiving energy from a battery pack, an AC grid connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an AC grid, a connection for supplying power to a load, and an EV connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an EV battery. The system also includes a controller for generating control signals to control the flow of power within the hybrid inverter, which converts power received from at least one of the photovoltaic array and the battery pack and provides the converted power to charge the EV battery via the EV connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventor: Sandeep Narla
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Patent number: 10852037Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices related to fixed and transportable structures and vehicles utilizing the integration of solar and wind technologies for generation of electricity. The system generates electricity using solar panels (and/or solar thermal units) and wind turbines, stores and converts electricity, and can be located in various locations either as fixed or portable embodiments including on land, on water, underwater, air and space and may also be housed in a structure to provide electricity for various facilities and uses.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SPECTRA SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert Sant'Anselmo, Arnold Stephen Arch
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Patent number: 10853596Abstract: An intelligent positioning system includes at least one lamp apparatus and a handheld electronic apparatus. The handheld electronic apparatus includes an optical code receiving unit and an artificial intelligence positioning algorithm unit. The at least one lamp apparatus wirelessly transmits an optical code signal to the optical code receiving unit. The optical code receiving unit analyzes the optical code signal to obtain an optical identification code of the optical code signal and a light intensity value of the optical code signal. The optical code receiving unit transmits the optical identification code of the optical code signal and the light intensity value of the optical code signal to the artificial intelligence positioning algorithm unit. The artificial intelligence positioning algorithm unit converts the optical identification code of the optical code signal and the light intensity value of the optical code signal into a positioning information.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: UNITECH ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuan-Ying Hsu, Miao-Tsung Wu, Bo-Cheng Huang, Rong-Huei Chen
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Patent number: 10855097Abstract: A method, an information handling system, and a thermal management system providing a power and thermal solution are provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the information handling system includes a battery having a low temperature cell configured to operate over a lower temperature range and a high temperature cell configured to operate over a higher temperature range, a computational electronic circuit operable to dissipate waste heat as a consequence of performing computation, and a thermal conductor thermally coupled to the high temperature cell and to the computational electronic circuit but not to the low temperature cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Rick C. Thompson, Mitchell A. Markow, Travis C. North
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Patent number: 10854960Abstract: An electromagnetic energy harvesting device includes an emitting body at least partially embedded within a dielectric medium, and a receiving antenna disposed in proximity to the emitting body, where the receiving antenna is configured to collect thermal electromagnetic energy emitted by the emitting body. The device also includes a rectifier electrically coupled to the receiving antenna, where the rectifier is configured to convert the thermal electromagnetic energy to direct current electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Inventor: Richard A. Bean
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Patent number: 10848203Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present specification, an NFC device can comprise: a loop antenna disposed on a first surface of a substrate and transmitting and receiving a wireless signal, wherein an antenna area defined by the outer perimeter or the inner perimeter of the loop antenna is positioned within a first area on the first surface; at least one input interface disposed on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the input interface is positioned within a second area on the first surface, and the first area and the second area are different from each other; and a processor connected to the loop antenna and the input interface. when a user input for the input interface is detected in a communication mode in which the processor can communicate with the external NFC device, the processor can transmit, to an external NFC device through the loop antenna, an RF response signal including control information for executing a function corresponding to the input interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Daamdaam SamusoInventor: Junhee Han
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Patent number: 10847993Abstract: A portable charging device is built into a watch and watch band. A foldable flexible solar panel array is stored under the watch band in a thin flat condition allowing the user to wear the solar panel and watch band together. The charging electronics and rechargeable battery are located within the watch housing under a standard watch assembly. A charging cable can be extended from the side of the watch housing and can be plugged into a smart phone or other electronic device for the purpose of recharging. The solar panel array can be folded out in a lit environment to recharge the battery located within the watch housing. In this way, a person can recharge their phone or other electronic device while on the go by plugging it into the wearable watch and watch band.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Inventor: Jovans R. Thelusma
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Patent number: 10840743Abstract: An example integrated circuit includes: (i) a processing subsystem configured to control operation of the integrated circuit, (ii) a waveform generator, operatively coupled to the processing subsystem, configured to generate radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals using an input current, (iii) a first digital interface that couples the integrated circuit with a plurality of power amplifiers that are external to the integrated circuit, and (iv) a second digital interface, distinct from the first digital interface, that couples the integrated circuit with a wireless communication component that is external to the integrated circuit. The processing subsystem is configured to: receive, via the second digital interface, an indication that a receiver is within transmission range of a transmitting device controlled by the circuit, and in response to receiving the indication: provide, via the first digital interface, the RF power transmission signals to at least one of the plurality of power amplifiers.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: ENERGOUS CORPORATIONInventors: Cesar Johnston, Brian Bosso
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Patent number: 10833302Abstract: A power storage and generation system is modular, portable, stackable, electrically connectable, interchangeable, and customizable with respect to interconnections among one another. The electrical connections are arranged in such a manner that they are not exposed to the user when in use, thus preventing accidental short circuits or electrical shocks. The power storage and generation systems can be used together or separately to provide both D/C power then converts to A/C power supply for electrical equipment at remote locations. Different configurations allow for the adaptation of the system to different voltage and amperage requirements for various applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Inventor: Benjamin Ngoc Nguyen
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Patent number: 10819248Abstract: Technologies for provisioning power controllers for grid services are disclosed. In at least one illustrative embodiment, a method for estimating real-time available peak power (APP) of a power plant may comprise determining whether an inverter of the power plant electrically coupled to at least one solar panel array of the power plant is operating in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode, obtaining a measured output of the at least one solar panel array in response to determining that the inverter is operating in the MPPT mode, estimating an expected output of the inverter as a function of the measured output of the solar panel array using an inverter production model, and estimating the APP of the power plant as a function of the expected output of the inverter using a site compensation model.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventor: Mirrasoul J. Mousavi
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Patent number: 10807495Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electricity storage control device includes a setting unit, and a control unit. The setting unit sets, for each time zone, a target state of charge (SOC) of electric energy to be stored in an electricity storage device in the time zone. The control unit controls at least charging or discharging of the electricity storage device based on the set target SOC for each time zone, a SOC detected from the electricity storage device, and a voltage of a supply destination of electric power from the electricity storage device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Masakuni Akashi, Masaaki Saito, Masahiko Murai, Yumi Hanashima, Hiroyuki Kaneko, Miyako Miyoshi
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Patent number: 10804745Abstract: A non-contact power reception apparatus is provided, in which a power reception coil for a charging system and a loop antenna for an electronic settlement system are mounted on a battery pack and a cover case of a portable terminal such that the power reception coil is arranged in the center thereof and the loop antenna is disposed outside the power reception coil, so that a mode of receiving a wireless power signal and a mode of transmitting and receiving data are selectively performed, thereby preventing interference from harmonic components and enabling non-contact charging and electronic settlement using a single portable terminal. A jig for fabricating a core to be mounted to the non-contact power reception apparatus is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: GE Hybrid Technologies, LLCInventors: Chun-Kil Jung, Yoon-Sang Kuk
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Patent number: 10793449Abstract: A reactor for water splitting or water treatment includes a first electrode, a second electrode electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a proton exchange membrane separating the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first optical fiber coated with a photocatalytic material.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Paul K. Westerhoff, Kiril D. Hristovski, Shahnawaz Sinha
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Patent number: 10784527Abstract: A controller-executed method for conditioning a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) in a fuel cell for use in a fuel cell stack includes humidifying a fuel inlet to the stack to a threshold relative humidity level, and maintaining a current density and cell voltage of the fuel cell at a calibrated current density level and hold voltage level, respectively, via the controller in at least one voltage recovery stage. The recovery stage has a predetermined voltage recovery duration. The method includes measuring the cell voltage after completing the predetermined voltage recovery duration, and executing a control action with respect to the fuel cell or fuel cell stack responsive to the measured cell voltage exceeding a target voltage, including recording a diagnostic code via the controller indicative of successful conditioning of the MEA. A fuel cell system includes the fuel cell stack and controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Jingxin Zhang, Nagappan Ramaswamy, Pinkhas A. Rapaport
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Patent number: 10778022Abstract: A housing of a power bank includes fasteners for coupling the power bank to a mobile phone. The housing comprises a illumination element and a charging element for wirelessly charging the mobile phone. An added benefit, which convinces users to carry a mobile phone and the power bank connected to one another is that the illumination element can be controlled manually and/or wirelessly by a wireless connection through the mobile phone, such that light can be emitted from the power bank front side in the direction of a transverse axis, and the fasteners are designed to be permanently magnetic and/or mechanically designed such that a releasable attachment, that can be pivoted about a transverse axis, of the power bank is achieved relative to the mobile phone, such that the housing is mounted to be pivotable between a neutral coupling position and a pivoted selfie position relative to the mobile phone.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: TECFLOWER AGInventor: Sascha Reinger
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Patent number: 10763685Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for regulating a charging rate of a battery module for an autonomous vehicle. In some aspects, the method comprises measuring a first battery cell temperature using a first temperature sensor located at a first battery cell of a plurality of batter cells in a battery module, determining whether the first battery cell temperature corresponds to a lowest temperature of the plurality of battery cells, determining a first charging rate corresponding to the first battery cell temperature, determining a first charging current and a first charging voltage corresponding to the first charging rate, and adjusting a charging current to the first charging current and a charging voltage to the first charging voltage for the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: HADAL, INC.Inventors: Ben Kfir, Doug Traeger, Robert S. Damus, Richard J. Rikoski
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Patent number: 10756564Abstract: An electronic device and a charging method includes a photovoltaic power generation unit configured to charge a battery of the electronic device by using electric energy generated by a photovoltaic material included in the photovoltaic power generation unit. The charging method includes detecting light intensity applied to the photovoltaic material; and when the detected light intensity is always greater than a first preset threshold within a second preset duration, and a maximum variation within the second preset duration exceeds a second preset threshold, sampling an open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic material, and setting a power generation parameter of the photovoltaic material according to the open-circuit voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Muyun Qin, Ruimin Wang, Rongan Peng, Shaomin Qi
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Patent number: 10749374Abstract: An electric power supply device including: a first interposed between an electric power system and a predetermined load; a power storage system having a secondary battery, a first charging and discharging unit interposed between the secondary battery and the electric power system, and a second charging and discharging unit interposed between the secondary battery and the predetermined load; and a controller configured to control the first switch, the first charging and discharging unit, and the second charging and discharging unit, in which when system abnormality occurs, the controller causes the switch to open to disconnect between the electric power system and the predetermined load, causes the first charging and discharging unit to perform reverse power flow for a prescribed time, and causes the second charging and discharging unit to supply electric power to the predetermined load.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masami Okada, Atsushi Minami
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Patent number: 10739410Abstract: A battery control apparatus is applied to a power supply system that includes a storage battery including a plurality of battery cells, an electrical apparatus connected to the storage battery, and a cell monitoring apparatus connected to each battery cell of the storage battery. In the battery control apparatus, a total cell voltage calculating unit calculates a sum of the voltages of battery cells detected by a cell monitoring apparatus as a total cell voltage. A voltage acquiring unit acquires a voltage of the cell monitoring apparatus side of a resistor that is provided on a conduction path. A consumed current calculating unit calculates a consumed current that is consumed by the cell monitoring apparatus based on the total cell voltage and the voltage acquired by the voltage acquiring unit. A residual capacity calculating unit calculates the residual capacity based on the charge-discharge current and the consumed current.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiro Sakakibara
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Patent number: 10735846Abstract: A storage system includes a protective housing member configured to mate with a handheld electronic device. The protective housing member includes at least one accessory station. The accessory station is configured to form between a surface of the protective housing member and a surface of at least one accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The protective housing member includes at least s wireless transmitter and/or an IC chip. The wireless transmitter is configured to facilitate a wireless connection between wireless components of the handheld electronic device and the protective housing member.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: ADVANCED ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: John T. Merenda
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Patent number: 10727777Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity comprises a solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a MPPT device alone or in combination with a DC/AC inverter connected directly thereto, and a plurality of heat sink tiles and a heat exchanger. The heat sink tiles are disposed between the solar panel and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected to a circulation system which allows coolant fluid to flow through the heat exchanger. Each of the heat sink tiles having a first side in direct thermal contact with a respective one of the photovoltaic cells and an opposite second side in contact with the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger having a plurality of coolant chambers disposed adjacent to the heat sink tiles. The first heat exchanger has at least one second coolant chamber disposed adjacent to said MPPT device and/or DC/AC inverter.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Qingdao Austech Solar Technology Co. LtdInventors: Roger Clyde Webb, Maria Anna Webb
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Patent number: 10727686Abstract: A power bank includes, in part, a rechargeable battery, a wireless power recovery unit adapted to receive power wirelessly, a battery charging circuit adapted to deliver the power recovered by the power recovery unit to the rechargeable battery, an output interface, and a voltage reconditioning circuit adapted to supply power from the rechargeable battery to the output interface for delivery to an external device. The wireless power recovery unit may include one or more of a multitude of photodiodes adapted to convert a coherent optical signal to electrical power, an acoustic transducer adapted to convert acoustic waves to an electrical power, an inductive coupling circuit adapted to convert time varying magnetic flux to electrical power, and an RF power recovery unit adapted to convert an RF signal to electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Behrooz Abiri, Florian Bohn, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
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Patent number: 10727554Abstract: When an overvoltage is generated in one converter and an overvoltage is not generated in another converter, the whole system continues to operate using a power source connected to the other converter. Here, it is determined whether a reason for an overvoltage is an open-circuit fault in a relay connecting the two converters or a fault in an overvoltage detecting circuit of one converter, and system control suitable for the fault is performed.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryosuke Oya
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Patent number: 10719098Abstract: A system for providing on-demand renewable energy. The system includes at least one power unit for converting environmental energy into electrical power; a global positioning system (GPS) unit that provides current location coordinates for the system; and a regulator for controlling an amount of the electrical power drawn from the at least one power unit based on a first authorization rule and at least one second authorization rule, wherein the first authorization rule is a misuse event requirement for detecting that the current location coordinates indicate that the system has not been moved from an authorized location; wherein the system is independent from any grid and is initially installed at the authorized location; wherein failure to meet the misuse event requirement results in a denial of supply of electrical power by the regulator; and wherein the at least one second authorization rule is a purchase requirement.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Nova Lumos Ltd.Inventors: Nir Marom, David Vortman
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Patent number: 10714766Abstract: The aim of the invention is to allow a precise and quick regulation of the influencing variables in the operation of a fuel cell. A regulator is used for the regulation, said regulator being designed on the basis of a model of the gas conditioning unit in the form of a coupled nonlinear multivariable system in that the coupled nonlinear multivariable system is decoupled and linearized using Lie derivatives, and the regulator is designed for the decoupled linear multivariable system. The regulator calculates the control variables (uG, uS, uN, Q) for at least three present actuators of the influencing variables of the gas conditioning unit at each sampling time of the regulation using specified target variables (yj,dmd), and at least the three actuators of the gas conditioning unit adjust the calculated control variables (uG, uS, uN, Q) at each sampling time of the regulation.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Christoph Kügele, Stefan Jakubek, János Kancsár
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Patent number: 10715032Abstract: The invention concerns a circuit for charging a battery by means of a photovoltaic module, including: input and output terminals intended to be respectively coupled to the module and to the battery; a converter including input and output terminals respectively coupled to the input and output terminals of the charging circuit; a control circuit including power supply terminals coupled to the output terminals of the charging circuit; a switch coupling one of the output terminals of the converter to one of the output terminals of the charging circuit; and a detection circuit configured, when the voltage between output terminals of the charging circuit exceeds a threshold, to send an order to turn off the switch and stop the converter for a predetermined period.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Mark Vervaart
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Patent number: 10700556Abstract: Techniques are described herein for enabling, among other features, more effective wireless charging of devices in wireless power delivery environments through enhanced signal focusing over multiple paths in a multipath wireless power delivery environment. More specifically, the systems and methods discussed herein describe techniques for increasing effective charging of devices, including enhanced ability to focus charging utilizing multiple pathways, phase detection of incoming signals allowing for movement detection in a wireless environment, phase synchronization, and directional arrays.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Ossia Inc.Inventors: Hatem Zeine, Siamak Ebadi
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Patent number: 10698461Abstract: An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a battery supplying power to the electronic device, at least one circuit board having one or more components disposed thereon, a first temperature sensor disposed in a first region of the circuit board that is adjacent to one of the one or more components, a second temperature sensor disposed in a second region away from the first region, and a processor configured to measure a first temperature corresponding to the first region using the first temperature sensor, measure a second temperature corresponding to the second region or the outside of the electronic device using the second temperature sensor, determine a third temperature for the battery based at least on the first and second temperatures, and control the use of a resource of the electronic device when the third temperature satisfies a specified condition. Other various embodiments are also possible.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki Youn Jang, Kyung Ha Koo, Kun Tak Kim, Hyun Tae Jang, Chi Hwan Jeong, Chi Hyun Cho
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Patent number: 10693415Abstract: A method for testing a photovoltaic panel connected to an electronic module. The electronic module includes an input attached to the photovoltaic panel and a power output. The method activates a bypass to the electronic module. The bypass provides a low impedance path between the input and the output of the electronic module. A current is injected into the electronic module thereby compensating for the presence of the electronic module during the testing. The current may be previously determined by measuring a circuit parameter of the electronic module. The circuit parameter may be impedance, inductance, resistance or capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Meir Adest, Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Gazit, Tzachi Glovinsky, Yaron Binder
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Patent number: 10693315Abstract: This invention is a DC-coupled, non grid-tied system comprising a solar panel, or an array of panels, a storage battery, a battery charger, an inverter, and optionally, a connection to an electric vehicle via both the regular AC charging connection and a DC connection. Unlike conventional grid-tied solar systems there is no possibility of solar or battery energy being fed back to the grid by virtue of the one-directional flow of energy through the battery chargers. The system can utilize all of the energy produced by the solar panels to provide power to critical household loads by storing electric energy in the storage battery. In the event of a grid outage, the system maintains power to the critical loads to the limits of the capacity of the batteries and the inverter, supplemented by whatever solar power is available. The energy available in an outage can be supplemented by using the main propulsion battery of an electric vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Inventor: Paul Harriman Kydd
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Patent number: 10693165Abstract: In one embodiment, an environmental sensor array monitors pre-filter airflow to a fuel cell with an air filter, and senses amounts of filter exposure of air contaminants in the monitored pre-filter airflow. The environmental sensor array may then correlate the sensed amounts of filter exposure over time to a long-term adsorption limit of the air contaminants for the air filter, determining a lifetime usage level of the air filter. Accordingly, the environmental sensor array may provide an indication of the lifetime usage level of the air filter. In another embodiment, the environmental sensor array may also monitor post-filter airflow to the fuel cell, and senses instantaneous levels of post-filter air contaminants. In response to the instantaneous level of any particular air contaminant of the post-filter air contaminants being above a respective threshold level, the environmental sensor array may protect the operation of the fuel cell (e.g., de-rate, shut down, etc.).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: University of Hawai'iInventors: Scott Robert Higgins, James Michel Ewan
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Patent number: 10693311Abstract: A charging device is provided, which is capable of starting up a control circuit without any separate power supply so as to start an appropriate charge operation even when a secondary battery is in an overdischarged state. A charging device to charge a secondary battery with electric power generated by a solar cell includes: a charging control unit that controls the electric power generated by the solar cell to have a current value and/or a voltage value suitable for charging, and that supplies the controlled electric power to the secondary battery; and a start-up control unit that supplies, to the charging control unit, a boosted power source by boosting the electric power from the solar cell when charging is started, and that starts up the a charging control unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: MIRAI-LABO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshio Hiratsuka
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Patent number: 10673377Abstract: A solar power generator has a lens through which to receive radiant energy from the sun, a drive shaft positioned near the lens, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft. A number of solar modules are coupled to the drive shaft, such that as the motor rotates the drive shaft, each one of the solar modules receives radiant energy as it rotates by the lens and produces therefrom a voltage signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Neotec Energy Pty Ltd.Inventor: Christoph Karl LaDue
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Patent number: 10673259Abstract: An IC card has an IC chip, a rechargeable battery that supplies electrical power to the IC chip, a card main body that houses the IC chip and the rechargeable battery, and charging terminals for charging the rechargeable battery. The charging terminals include a positive terminal arranged on one of the front surface and the rear surface of the card main body, and a negative terminal arranged on the other one.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: J.S.T. MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukihiro Kyogoku, Yoshifumi Nishida
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Patent number: 10673380Abstract: An energy storage system includes a photovoltaic energy field, a stationary energy storage device, an energy converter, and a controller. The photovoltaic energy field converts solar energy into electrical energy and charges the stationary energy storage device with the electrical energy. The energy converter converts the electrical energy stored in the stationary energy storage device into AC power at a discharge rate and supplies a campus with the AC power at the discharge rate. The controller generates a cost function of the energy consumption of the campus across a time horizon which relates a cost to operate the campus to the discharge rate of the AC power supplied by the stationary energy storage device. The controller applies constraints to the cost function, determines a minimizing solution to the cost function which satisfies the constraints, and controls the energy converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Michael J. Wenzel, Kirk H. Drees, John I. Ruiz, Matthew J. Ellis, Mohammad N. ElBsat, John H. Burroughs, Juan Esteban Tapiero Bernal
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Patent number: 10673251Abstract: An electronic apparatus that can receive power from an external apparatus connected via an interface and comprises an interface having a first terminal and a second terminal. The apparatus determines whether or not a time difference between a time of detection of a first voltage at a first terminal and a time of detection of a second voltage at a second terminal is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value, determines a type of the external apparatus by executing first connected device detection if the time difference is smaller than or equal to the predetermined value, and executing second connected device detection different from the first connected device detection if the time difference is larger than the predetermined value, and performs power reception control based on a result of determination of a type of the external apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shuya Kaechi
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Patent number: 10666055Abstract: A hand carryable apparatus comprising a first power system, a second power system, a mechanical coupling, and an electrical coupling. The first power system comprises a first enclosure, a photovoltaic panel, a first power inverter, and a first alternating current interface coupled to the first output of the first power inverter. The second power system comprises a second enclosure, a battery, a second power inverter, and a second alternating current interface coupled to the second output of the second power inverter. The mechanical coupling and the electrical coupling removably couple the first power system to the second power system. The electrical coupling is capable of passing power between the first power system and the second power system. The second power system is capable of operating independently of the first power system.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Garrity Power Services LLCInventors: Paul Garrity, Aaron Jungreis
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Patent number: 10666165Abstract: A PCS performs a control of increasing an output of a solar cell to exceed the suppression power threshold, when there is a period, where the output of the solar cell falls below a suppression power threshold, in an accumulation period included in a suppression period in which the output of the solar cell is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Masahiro Baba, Tetsuya Takenaka, Yuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 10666186Abstract: A movable solar power apparatus may comprise at least a solar panel set electrically connected to a maximum power point tracking system (MPPT). A lithium battery set is electrically connected to a battery management system (BMS) which is adapted to monitor and protect the lithium battery set, and the BMS is electrically connected to the MPPT to enable power generated by the solar panel set to directly charge the lithium battery set. A low potential wake-up circuit has a double-contact relay and a single-contact relay, and the double-contact relay comprises a main contact, a first contact, and a second contact. The main contact is switchably electrically connected to the first contact or the second contact, and the main contact is electrically connected to the BMS while the first contact is electrically connected to the master control circuit, and the MPPT is electrically connected to the BMS under normal condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: AVERTRONICS INC.Inventors: Austin Lai, Kai-Yang Cheng, Wei-Fu Hsu
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Patent number: 10666086Abstract: A solar powered device comprising a solar radiation collection portion, wherein the solar radiation collection portion includes: a solar panel to collect solar radiation, a concentrator surrounding the solar panel to concentrate the solar radiation, and a charge controller coupled to the solar panel, a base portion, a plurality of legs, and a connection portion operably connecting the solar radiation collection portion to the base portion, the connection portion including a connection member having a first end and a second end is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: XPLOR LLCInventor: Gary William Oakley, Jr.
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Patent number: 10658855Abstract: A transformer less battery charger system. In one embodiment, the battery charger system includes input terminals for receiving an AC voltage, output terminals for receiving terminals of a rechargeable battery pack, and a non-isolated DC-DC converter coupled between the input terminals and the output terminals. A device is also coupled somewhere between the input terminals and the output terminals. The device is configured to selectively and indirectly couple the input terminals to the output terminals. More particularly, the device indirectly couples the input terminals to the output terminals when the rechargeable battery pack terminals are received by the output terminals, and the device indirectly decouples the input terminals from the output terminals when the rechargeable battery pack terminals are separated from the output terminals.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Renesas Electronics America Inc.Inventors: Tetsuo Sato, Shigeru Maeta, Toshio Kimura, Atsushi Mitamura, Akira Negishi, Gary S. Jacobson